STORRS, Conn. - Despite a three-hit day from senior 1B Audrey Grinnell, the University of Connecticut softball team was swept in a doubleheader against conference foe Houston on Saturday at Burrill Family Field in Storrs. The Huskies dropped the first game, 12-2, before falling, 16-2, to the Cougars in game two. Connecticut now stands at 7-24 (2-5 The American), while Houston improves to 22-10 (8-0 The American).

Lauren Duggan (5-13) was charged with the loss in game one, tossing 5.0 innings and allowing 12 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits and two walks. The junior righty recorded three punch-outs but was felled by three multi-run Houston innings. Julana Shrum earned her eighth win of the year for Houston, tossing 4.0 innings of two-run ball and striking out three Husky batters.

The Cougars jumped on the board early in the game, taking a 4-0 lead after one frame. UConn cut into the Cougar lead in the home half of the second inning, after Dominique Pinto scampered home on a passed ball. Later in the inning, Grinnell knocked home Maddy Schiappa with a ringing single to left field to bring the score to 4-2.

Houston maintained its 4-2 lead until the fourth inning when it exploded for five runs. The Cougars tacked on three more in the fifth, highlighted by a Selena Hernandez's fifth home run of the year. Connecticut was unable to rally and dropped the first contest, 12-2.

In game two, the Cougars scored the first 16 runs of the game, collecting 15 total hits.

Senior RHP Katelyn Callahan was tagged with the loss after completing her afternoon with 2.1 innings pitched. The senior allowed 11 runs (10 earned) on seven hits and also walked four.

UConn scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, capitalizing on a bases-loaded no-out situation. Taylor Townsend ripped a double over the left fielder's head that bounced up against the wall and allowed Jacklyn Dubois and Valerie Sadowl to score bringing the score to 16-2.

Alyson Amber pitched well for the Huskies in relief, throwing 2.0 innings of three-hit ball and recording a strikeouts.

UConn and Houston will play the series finale tomorrow at Burrill Family Field. First pitch is set for 11 a.m.